In September and October, Michele Albano and her staff transform a truckload of Connecticut-grown pumpkins into 4,000 pounds of pumpkin puree. The pumpkin becomes fodder for the countless iterations of pumpkin pies at Michele’s Pies. Though the shop has at least a dozen different types of award-winning fruit, nut and cream pies, perhaps none are as famous as her Thanksgiving pumpkin pie, as seen on an episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay.

Cioppino — a hearty seafood stew — is the star of the show at Phil's Fish Market in Moss Landing, Calif. Owner Phil DiGirolamo uses fresh shellfish all caught locally, which ultimately gave him the edge over Bobby in a hard-fought Throwdown.

With 300,000 "Racy Tracy" omelets under her belt, Squeeze In owner Misty Young proudly took on Bobby and the Throwdown team. The Racy Tracy made with bacon, mushrooms, avocado and jack cheese is just one of 63 omelets offered, including the newest sensation inspired by Bobby: "The Spanish Flay."

Giada De Laurentiis is crazy for Churros Con Cajeta, a doughnut-like confection filled with sweet caramel, at La Casita Mexicana. Another standout is the Flautas Tres Moles, chicken-stuffed tortillas that are deep-fried and smothered in three distinct chile-based sauces, including La Casita’s 43-ingredient mole poblano.

Brothers Miguel and Victor Escobedo, who own this Mexican spot, are known for the best burritos around. Their Triple Threat Burrito, which features achiote-marinated chicken, smoky prawns, tangy carne asada and an ultraspicy salsa, is so good that it led Bobby Flay to challenge them to a throwdown.

Bobby Flay was so impressed with the fish tacos here that he challenged owner Cesar Gonzalez to a Throwdown, betting his grilled mahi mahi fish tacos against Cesar's fried version. The salsa bar and toy wrestling ring condiment holders add to the festive feeling in this Throwdown-approved spot.

As a former director at the California Sushi Academy, it's no surprise that Phillip Yi is a talented sushi chef. At his restaurant Sushi Central in Los Angeles, Phillip makes all kinds of sushi including nigiri, sashimi and maki; Bobby’s sushi on Throwdown just couldn’t compare.

Four delicious words: fresh, moist, fantastic cupcakes. Big Man Bakes is satisfying L.A.'s sweet tooth, one bite at a time. Owner Big Chip Brown's Rum Raisin Mini Cupcakes are a single gulp of perfection (Bobby eats them by the boxful), made by the gentle hands of a 6-foot-5 linebacker of a baker.

Auntie Em's Kitchen is a tiny Los Angeles bakery and cafe with an electric personality. Owner Terri Wahl's thin and crispy chocolate chip cookies have given Duff Goldman a sugar rush. Not stopping there, her signature cupcakes have landed Terri in the middle of a Throwdown and even Cupcake Wars.

Hollywood hot dog legend Pink's Hot Dogs is one of the most - if not the most - famous and busiest hot dog stands in the country. Dishing up dogs since 1939, their Chili Cheese Dog is still a favorite of customers (and of Bobby Flay), having been chomped on by The Best Of, FoodNation and Throwdown.

On Throwdown With Bobby Flay, mother-son duo Teresa and David Matias prove their love of authentic Mexican and defend the legendary status of their huevos rancheros made with handmade tortillas and fire-roasted green chilies. Don't miss Teresa's second claim to fame with the spicy chilaquiles.